With at least two reported cases since the start of the year about criminals gaining access to persons' homes after pretending to be Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) employees, the company is warning its customers to be alert and take steps to deter any recurrence.

In the latest incident, THE STAR understands that bogus JPS employees went to a customer's home and instructed her that they were assigned by the electricity company to read her panel box.

The woman then welcomed the men into her home as she was under the impression that they were legitimate employees.

After they were inside, the men stole jewellery from the woman's home and also departed with her cellphone.

preventative measures

JPS confirmed the incident and took the opportunity to urge customers to be more vigilant.

"Every now and then, we warn our customers about such things ... we got a call from our customer-care agency informing us of the incident," a representative from the company's corporate communications department told THE STAR.

A list of preventative measures were also emphasised which will assist customers in identifying a legitimate employee of the electricity company.

Interestingly, in response to the aforementioned incident, the representative told THE STAR that, "JPS employees are not to look at your panel box ... that is the job of an electrician".

The request for money was also red-flagged as a warning sign for illegitimacy.

"If they come to your premises and ask for money, that's a no-no. We don't collect monies out there," the representative told THE STAR.

Additionally, if a customer is uncertain or deems persons who say they appear on behalf of JPS untrustworthy, he/she should call the office to verify.